Union secretaries viz. commerce secretary SR Rao, industry secretary Saurabh Chandra and petroleum secretary Vivek Rae. Farooqui, who joined the ministry of environment and forests in December 2009, as additional secretary has apparently become a hot favourite of Pulokaseth (principal secretary to PM Pulok Chatterji and Ajit Seth), the duo who decide the appointment of secretaries in Central government ministries. In December last year, Farooqui was appointed as secretary in the ministry of heavy industries.
But his recent elevation as telecom secretary, considered to be one of the key jobs, has confirmed how he enjoys confidence of Chatterji and Seth. In fact, one of the contenders for telecom secretary’s post was Farooqui’s own batch-mate and Chatterji confidante Jawed Usmani. If sources in the Corridors are to be believed, Usmani is likely to brought back to the Centre as commerce secretary when incumbent SR Rao retires January next year.
An MSc in physics, Farooqui is also armed with an MBA degree. In 35 years of service, some of his key posts in the past included principal secretary, industries, Government of Tamil Nadu, Union joint secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under finance ministry, and Consul General of India in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Farooqui also served as the chief executive and member secretary of Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority.
He is an upright and efficient officer!
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